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Kinder Scout > Kinder Downfall

At the top of the Kinder Downfall from where the tiny Kinder River plunges down towards Kinder reservoir. © NTPL/Joe Cornish
  • At the top of the Kinder Downfall from where the tiny Kinder River plunges down towards Kinder reservoir. © NTPL/Joe Cornish
  • Spectacular rock formations at the Kinder Downfall © NTPL/Joe Cornish

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About Kinder Downfall

Standing on a gritstone outcrop at the southern edge of Kinder

This spectacular waterfall is the tallest on Kinder, and flows down the end wall of a natural amphitheatre. It is often shrouded in mist as the prevailing wind blows back the tumbling water, making it a popular sight for all seasons.

On sunny days the mist is often capped by a series of rainbows arching over the surrounding crags; in winter the wind and low temperatures create frozen architectural exhibits as the cascading water turns to ice.

The Downfall was originally known as Kinder Scut, which is how the plateau got its name.

Watch a video of this spectacular waterfall by clicking the play button below:

The ramblers and protestors at the Kinder Mass Trespass The history information below is for the whole area of Kinder Scout.

In 1896 the scenery of Kinder Scout first inspired working-class ramblers from the industrial cities of Sheffield and Manchester to trespass over its expansive moors. By 1932, large numbers of ramblers, locals and members of the "Right to Ramble' organisation gathered to take part in the now famous 'Mass Trespass'. They forced their way through landowners and groundsmen to gain access to the beautiful open countryside. Twenty years later the Peak District National Park was established, opening Kinder Scout to the public for the first time. It was not until 2000, when the people’s rights to open country was further extended through the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000).

Discover more about the Peaks past from prehistory to the modern day with our history timeline..

Cotton Grass billowing in the wind on Kinder Scout The habitat information below is for the whole area of Kinder Scout.

Kinder Scout contains extensive tracts of ‘blanket bog’. As a moorland plateau this habitat boasts common plant species such as cottongrass and – in the drier patches – heather, crowberry, and bilberry. One unusual mammal you may be lucky enough to see is the mountain hare - unmistakeable in the winter months when its coat turns white.

The plateau is particularly important for its bird life as it offers a breeding habitat to short eared owl, golden plover, dunlin and merlin.

Explore these habitats and learn more about the wildlife that inhabit them by selecting the links below:
Moorland   

Comments

This comment has been reported and is under review.
The waterfall here is spectacular. Watch it in the wind and you can see the water actually fall upwards!! Check it out: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=97rKe6KoeAM.

Posted by: stu
Date: 16/01/2009 11:09:04

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Visitor Info for Kinder Downfall

These facilities are for the whole area of Kinder Scout.
Please use the map to see where these facilities are located.

WC WCs
  Bowden Bridge WC * - Has disabled facilities, requires a radar key
  Sett Valley Trail Park WC, Hayfield * - Derbyshire County Council toilets, first aid room and baby changing facilities.
Car park Car Parks
 
Rushup Edge Layby *10 space(s)
 
Peep-O-Day Layby *10 space(s)
 
Sett Valley Trail Car Park, Hayfield *40 space(s)
 
Bowden Bridge Car Park, Hayfield *20 space(s)
 
Chunel Layby *10 space(s)
 
Glossop Town Hall Car Park *unknown space(s)
 
Eccles Layby *5 space(s)
Visitor Centre Visitor Centres
  Sett Valley - Derbyshire County Council Ranger Service * - Facilities - Gift shop, Toilets, First aid room, baby changing facilities, leaflets and booklets, helpful information, coffee shop, wildlife garden, toddlers and adventure play area.
  Glossop Heritage Centre - High Peak Borough Council * - Gift shop, leaflets, booklets, Art Gallery and history exhibition (Unfortunately, the centre is closed until further notice but please see www.glossopheritage.co.uk for further information in the mean time)
Info barn Info Barns
  South Head Info Barn - Provides information, helpful leaflets and a shelter for walkers
Dogs Dogs
  Dogs are welcome on leads and are to be kept under control in grazing areas and during the breeding season. Please clean up after your dog.
* Please note that these facilities are not maintained or owned by the National Trust
These activities are for the whole area of Kinder Scout.
Please use the map to see where these activities are located.

Walking Walking  
  Hayfield to Kinder Scout Download this route
  Kinder Scout & Edale Valley Download this route
Audio trail Audio Trails  
  Leaving the Edge Download this trail
© NTPL/Leo Mason - A walking group climbing Mam Tor Kinder Downfall is widely recognised as being of international importance for its landscape, recreational value and wildlife plateau. It offers fantastic scenery and wide open space for group visits.

When visiting please remember to respect, protect and enjoy the countryside.
Coach parking Coach Parking
 
Bowden Bridge Car Park, Hayfield *2 space(s)
Group booking Group Booking
  Please contact us to arrange a group visit.
© NT/High Peak Estate - Learning advisor and a girl inspect the wildlife found on the High Peak Estate From wildlife to archeology there is so much to learn about Kinder Downfall. We have activities suitable from school groups to university groups - or just groups with a specialist interest or who fancy a visit with a difference.

To find out more please contact our learning officers who will be able to help you arrange your visit.
Education Teachers pack available
  A teachers pack is available here.
Find out more about our Education group membership.
Visitor Centre Visitor Centre
  Open from 9.30am-4.30pm. Our visitor centres can be hired as a class room to host activities for your group or to host talks.

Plan your visit to Kinder Downfall

For driving directions and public transport information on how to get to Kinder Downfall from your chosen location, please use our itinerary planner which will give you step-by-step instructions on how to get here and display the route of your journey on our map.

Plan your journey to Kinder Downfall here.
These places to stay are for the whole area of Kinder Scout.
Please use the map to see where these places to stay are located.

Campsite Campsites
  Spray House Farm * - Five pitch caravan site, close to the spectacular Kinder Scout and just a short distance from New Mills. Telephone: 01663 742670 for bookings and enquiries.
YHA YHAs
  Castleton Youth Hostel * - Built in the 13th Century Castleton Hall stands at the heart of the village square. Walkers staying at YHA Castleton will be spoilt for choice. There are many fine routes around the valley which is overlooked by the spectacular Winnats Pass and Mam Tor.
* Please note that these facilities are not maintained or owned by the National Trust
© NT/High Peak Estate - Children getting hands on with dry stone walling We invite you to come and join us throughout the year to enjoy our programme of events. Everyone can get involved in the activities from hands-on conservation sessions to family fun events exploring the wilder side of the National Trust.

Events include Easter Egg Trails, school holiday craft and discovery sessions, guided walks and talks and learning about traditional crafts such as dry stone walling.

View the up-coming Events here.

Contact Us

Write to us at: High Peak Estate
  Edale End
  Edale Road
  Hope Valley
  Derbyshire
  S33 6RF
 
Email us at: highpeakestate@nationaltrust.org.uk
 
Call us on: +44 (0)1433 670 368
 
Fax us on: +44 (0) 1433 670 397